Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X)

Airport Surface Detection System — Model X (ASDE-X) is a surveillance system using radar, multilateration and satellite technology that allows air traffic controllers to track surface movement of aircraft and vehicles. It was developed to help reduce critical Category A and B runway incursions.

The ASDE-X alerts air traffic controllers of potential runway conflicts by providing detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways. By collecting data from a variety of sensors, ASDE-X is able to track non-transponder equipped and transponder equipped vehicles and aircraft on the airport movement area.

The data that ASDE-X uses comes from the following sources:

Surface surveillance radar located on top of the air traffic control tower and / or surface surveillance radar located on a remote tower

Multilateration sensors located around the airport

Airport Surveillance Radars such as the ASR-9

Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Broadcast (ADS-B) sensors

Terminal automation system to obtain flight plan data.

By fusing the data from these sources, ASDE-X is able to determine the position and identification of aircraft and vehicles on the airport movement area, as well as aircraft flying on final approach to the airport.

Controllers in the tower are presented this information on a color display depicting aircraft and vehicle positions as an icon overlaid on a map of the airport's runways/taxiways and airport approach corridors. The system continuously updates the map of the airport movement area that controllers can use to enhance their situational awareness. It's particularly beneficial at night or during inclement weather when visibility is poor. The ASDE-X system is also equipped with visual and aural alarms that will alert controllers of possible runway incursions or incidents.